Brunel’s Research, Innovate and Emerge (RIEm) programme is a Runner Up with highly commendable status at the West London Business Awards The judges at the West London Business awards stated: “Brunel University provides a nation exemplar for how a university can combine external funding and use it to serve and support SMEs with a regional focus. The popularity and impact of their RIEm programme is particularly striking.” We are now inviting applications for Brunel University's award winning RIEm programme 2026 edition SME support for innovation funding through collaborative research and innovation (R&I) Our trade mark–protected initiative, Research, Innovate and Emerge (RIEm), supports UK SMEs to access innovation funding through collaborative research and innovation (R&I), validate new technologies and solutions, and scale sustainable business growth. Since its launch in 2022, RIEm has supported 100+ UK SMEs, with participating businesses that complete the programme and submit a proposal achieving a 73% success rate in securing Innovate UK funding, compared with a UK national average of approximately 5–10% (RIEm Independent Evaluation, S4W, 2024). To date, RIEm participants have secured £17.82 million in grants and investment (ScaleUp Institute Annual Review, 2025). RIEm works closely with industry partners, academic experts, and innovation funders to strengthen project design, collaboration readiness, and funding strategy. Building on its success in the UK, RIEm expanded internationally with the launch of RIEm India in 2023, supporting cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange. Please Allow all cookies to view this video from YouTube. Alternatively view the video from YouTube content here Edward, Second Edition RIEm Participant Please Allow all cookies to view this video from YouTube. Alternatively view the video from YouTube content here RIEm Second Edition SME Feedbacks Support on offer Who can apply? How can you benefit? How it works Get in touch Application form Brunel will help you with a research and innovation (R&I) needs assessment, and strengthen your capacity to develop R&I strategy, proposal development and joint collaborative proposal development for funding. We can also offer you expert mentoring and one to one support. Expert facilitation on R&I needs assessment, and support for developing organisational specific R&I strategy and implementation plan. Skills strengthening for developing collaborative funding proposal integrated with expert support and one-to-one mentoring. SME selection criteria and required commitments: Registered businesses in the UK with evidence of financial expenditure/investment over £300,000* in the last financial year with limited or no success of securing funding for R&I. Have achieved the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) three of their proposed solution. Commitment to participate in three day workshops and receive up to five hours of expert mentoring support. Commitment to develop specific research and innovation strategy and concept note leading to potential collaborative proposal for funding. Minimum five full time staff employed in the organisation* Evidence of expenditure/investment may be required. Apply by 27th Jan to join RIEm 2026. Key tentative dates: 4th February 2026 – R&I Needs Assessment Worksop 10:00 am - 17:30 pm 19th March 2026 – R&I Strategy Development Workshop 10:00 am - 17:30 pm 23 April 2026 – R&I Proposal Development Workshop 10:00 am - 17:30 pm The maximum number of participants: 25; The seats are allocated on a first come first serve basis. You will benefit from: three day workshops and up to five hours of expert mentoring support free expert consultancy and mentoring support to develop specific research and innovation strategy and joint collaborative proposal for funding introduction and exposure to funding partners and high potential for securing funds opportunity for strategic partnerships and access to a world leading university accelerated route to market possibilities Receive a Completion Certificate issued by Brunel University London (provided participants attend all the three workshops and submit two homeworks with reasonable standards as assessed by the programme facilitators). Methodology Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Objectives R&I needs assessment R&I strategy development R&I proposal development R&I joint proposal submission Outcomes Familiarization with R&I strategy. 1-to-1 Expert mentoring support. Development of R&I strategy. Awareness of funding sources. 1-to-1 Expert mentoring support. Development of draft R&I concept note. 1-to-1 Expert mentoring support. Development of a joint R&I proposal. Wider business impact. 1-to-1 Expert mentoring support. Dr Michael Joseph Email Dr Michael Joseph RIEm Programme Lead Research Support and Development Office "I manage partnerships for collaborative research and innovation in health care and medical technology. I facilitate collaborative research and innovation funding partnerships with businesses, investors, public funding organisations, and health care organisations in the healthcare and MedTech sector. I manage collaborative Masterclasses and engagement events for research and innovation capacity strengthening in health and MedTech ecosystem" Please complete the details below to apply for the Research, Innovate and Emerge programme. Name First name Last name Email Educational Qualification Phone Name of your organisation Registered Business Name/Company Number (as per Companies House) Please provide the registered location of your organization, including the name of local authority/council. Please write in 100 words about your innovative solution and R&D priorities. Please write in 100 words about the R&D support you require from the academic experts of Brunel University of London. How many full-time staff are employed currently in your organisation? Can you provide evidence of £300,000 Investment / Expenditure during last financial year? YesNo Can you commit to attend 3 day workshops(as per the schedule) and receive mentoring support (up to 5 hours) to develop organisational R&I strategy? YesNo How did you hear about this Programme? Declaration 1: The above statements are true to the best of my knowledge Declaration 2: I authorize Brunel University of London to store my contact details and communicate with me in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Brunel University's data protection policy. Declaration 3: I will report at the venue of the workshop as per the schedule; I will be available during the 3 days of workshop; I shall complete the required tasks as part of the RIEm workshop. Submit RIEm Impact case studies Renard Group / Outcry Witness: Giving Voice to Survivors, Anonymously and Safely Discover how Outcry Witness, supported by Brunel’s RIEm programme, helps sexual assault survivors document their stories safely through trauma-informed tech. From Loop Music to Falcon Tag: How Brunel's RIEm Programme Transformed One Entrepreneur’s Journey Discover how RIEm at Brunel helped Emmanuel Tchombe secure a £50K Innovate UK grant and launch Falcon Tag, an AI-powered smart logistics startup. Circular 11: Transforming Plastic Waste into Purpose How Circular 11 turned low-grade plastic waste into sustainable construction materials with RIEm’s support—raising £1.1M and scaling innovation. Reneural, Solution for stroke patients Innovative digital health solutions to have better outcomes for stroke survivors ELODIZ Transformative Technology ELODIZ Case Study: Scientific equipment development company gets funding to develop new instrument better understand, detect and address the growth of tumors RIEm fuels G-Volution's Innovation for Dual Fuel Technology and Sustainable Future Discover how G-Volution, a leader in dual fuel technology, collaborated with Brunel's RIEm Programme to advance their innovation and secure innovation funding. JurnyOn's RIEm journey for Transforming Travel Experience with AI based ticketing solution RIEm supported JurnyOn to secure innovation funding for an AI-based rail ticketing service, enhancing travel experience in partnership with Transport for Wales. Mettle Capital, Facilitating data analysis for ESG, reputation and trust using Open Source Intelligence RIEm Programme supported Mettle Capital to access funding to validate Open Source Intelligence on ESG, reputation and trust for global companies/asset managers. Ziyx, Helping young people to have a purpose in life Revolutionize your future with ZIYX, the innovative platform offering games, support, and tools to empower your digital business journey. Stix Mindfulness, Supporting children's wellbeing Stix, a mindfulness tool, helps children cope with anxiety and anger, improving their wellbeing, as shown by research. KATLAS, Web3 Application Katlas Technology Case Study: Developing software to give everyone the power to control and manage their information, decision-making, and social outcomes. Ostomy medical device The revolutionary pouch cover, Ostique products are designed with the unique needs of every ostomate in mind. Start-up get's funding for AI-powered wellness ecosystem AI sensory solution for millions suffering from burnout Pause Brunel Business Case studies: Successful partnerships Renard Group / Outcry Witness: Giving Voice to Survivors, Anonymously and Safely Discover how Outcry Witness, supported by Brunel’s RIEm programme, helps sexual assault survivors document their stories safely through trauma-informed tech. From Loop Music to Falcon Tag: How Brunel's RIEm Programme Transformed One Entrepreneur’s Journey Discover how RIEm at Brunel helped Emmanuel Tchombe secure a £50K Innovate UK grant and launch Falcon Tag, an AI-powered smart logistics startup. Circular 11: Transforming Plastic Waste into Purpose How Circular 11 turned low-grade plastic waste into sustainable construction materials with RIEm’s support—raising £1.1M and scaling innovation. Reneural, Solution for stroke patients Innovative digital health solutions to have better outcomes for stroke survivors ELODIZ Transformative Technology ELODIZ Case Study: Scientific equipment development company gets funding to develop new instrument better understand, detect and address the growth of tumors RIEm fuels G-Volution's Innovation for Dual Fuel Technology and Sustainable Future Discover how G-Volution, a leader in dual fuel technology, collaborated with Brunel's RIEm Programme to advance their innovation and secure innovation funding. JurnyOn's RIEm journey for Transforming Travel Experience with AI based ticketing solution RIEm supported JurnyOn to secure innovation funding for an AI-based rail ticketing service, enhancing travel experience in partnership with Transport for Wales. Mettle Capital, Facilitating data analysis for ESG, reputation and trust using Open Source Intelligence RIEm Programme supported Mettle Capital to access funding to validate Open Source Intelligence on ESG, reputation and trust for global companies/asset managers. Optimising global transportation networks Optimisation saves Caterpillar Inc. over $1,12bn across the global supply chain Polymer-based water meters return clear profits Innovation enabled Elster to increase production and sales, reduce carbon foot print and save UK jobs Developing an electrolytic disinfection device New electrolytic disinfection device reducing bacteria levels by up to 99% in the hot water system and offering the highest standards of hygiene. Unlocking international markets for family run business Help to Grow launches SME on a successful learning journey Ziyx, Helping young people to have a purpose in life Revolutionize your future with ZIYX, the innovative platform offering games, support, and tools to empower your digital business journey. Stix Mindfulness, Supporting children's wellbeing Stix, a mindfulness tool, helps children cope with anxiety and anger, improving their wellbeing, as shown by research. KATLAS, Web3 Application Katlas Technology Case Study: Developing software to give everyone the power to control and manage their information, decision-making, and social outcomes. Ostomy medical device The revolutionary pouch cover, Ostique products are designed with the unique needs of every ostomate in mind. Start-up get's funding for AI-powered wellness ecosystem AI sensory solution for millions suffering from burnout Digital business inspires women nationwide with help from Brunel Innovative entrepreneur programmes sustainability into her SME Raising the minimum wage in Greece Ministry of Labour raises minimum wages on Brunel advice Improving customer satisfaction and market regulation in telecom market Evidencing the need for speed as key to market growth for top telecoms provider Multilevel invertor powers success for clean-tech company Brunel technology delivers 40% savings in capital cost for pioneering clean-tech innovation company Safe and sustainable nuclear power stations Detecting cracks in nuclear plants prevents national disaster Bioplastic film boosts circular bioeconomy Design innovation in the food supply chain benefits agricultural and horticultural industries Regression techniques mitigate risks in structural integrity Companies worldwide keep assets safe with Brunel's advancements in mathematics Pandemic toolkit guides decisions for NHS trusts Thousands of patients across 6 hospitals benefit from Brunel's pandemic planning toolkit. Research shifts gears in growth for world's leading suppliers Innovative research on using niobium as a grain refiner for casting aluminium alloys delivers solutions for aerospace and automotive industry Novel technology ensures safety of South America’s tea Heat pipe technology helps percolate prospects for exports by tackling toxicity of maté tea Simulation technologies deliver multi million pound turnover Simulation techniques cut costs in nuclear, manufacturing, defence and retail industries Data generation service drives health-app innovations Brunel opens a new machine learning sector in the market Advanced mathematical techniques increase confidence in banking Bayesian quantile regression incorporated in major statistical software suites globally Innovation transforms structural integrity industry Collaboration with Brunel transforms TWI’s business model Coaching course builds courage Helping the company expand by creating a new brand, product and theoretical underpinning. Start-up tackles water crisis with invention Brunel helps start-up tackle water crisis by redeveloping the second most water demanding product in the home: washing machines. Hospitality communications in the post-Covid19 era Using mobile technology in customer communications to overcome their fears and initiate recovery from the post pandemic economic crisis. Dramatic shift for a start-up in domestic violence awareness raising Commercialising the idea of raising awareness of domestic abuse through performance in the community Impact of COVID-19 on business Understanding the impacts of COVID-19 on businesses, areas of concern and how organisations are dealing with them. Inclusive design for immersive technology Brunel Design School and Open Inclusion address the inclusive design for immersive technology gap with a ground-breaking partnership. Emotional design for homeware Emotional design elements, social media marketing and manufacturing efficiency come together to design successful homeware products. Sustainable manufacturing process of gluten free foods Reducing energy consumption by 23%, unlocking significant savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Pause